National Football League

Jacksonville Jaguars free agency preview: Time to get defensive

Published Feb. 27, 2015 11:16 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Rebuilding the Jacksonville Jaguars has been quite the task for general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley.

Entering their third year in town, the staff looks to put together a roster that can contend in the division. With emerging young receivers -- Denard Robinson, Allen Hurns and Justin Blackmon (if he's not cut) -- expect Cecil Shorts to hit the open market.

Bradley, who made his name on the defensive side of the ball, will look to piece together a defense that was riddled with injuries down the stretch.

Much of this team's success rests on the shoulders of quarterback Blake Bortles. Entering his second year under center, Bortles has a nice quartet of weapons to get this offense moving between the 20s.

How they finished:

2014: 3-13 -- No postseason

2013: 4-12 -- No postseason

Projected salary cap space as of Feb. 1 (per Spotrac.com): Most with $57.3M

Potential free agency targets: Depending who is available in the cornerback market, the Jaguars could look to make a splash. Seattle's Byron Maxwell makes a lot of sense with his ties to Bradley and experience in playing in a similar scheme. Walter Thurmond (Giants) could also have some value. Luring a legit running back to town should also be of emphasis, but that could get addressed in a rather deep draft class.

Potential cap casualties: Toby Gerhart agreed on a three-year deal a season ago, but a majority of the $4.5 million guaranteed has been paid. The Jaguars could look to get younger at the position.

Offseason needs: OT, CB and RB

Notable free agents:

WR Cecil Shorts

LB J.T. Thomas

DL Tyson Alualu

LB Geno Hayes

CB Alan Ball

RB Jordan Todman

CB Sherrod Martin